Gov’t strengthens dev’t interventions for IP community after Surigao Sur’s SIPS declaration
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
LIANGA, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — A convergence of government agencies is strengthening development interventions to sustain peace gains and improve the lives of former conflict-affected communities, following Surigao del Sur’s declaration under the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).
In support of this effort, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary James Layug joined the Open Forum and ‘Kahimunan’ or gathering, held on June 22 in Sitio Simowao, Barangay Diatagon, an indigenous peoples (IP) community in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The DA serves as the lead agency of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Through the whole-of-nation approach, PRLEC addresses the root causes of insurgency by expanding access to livelihood opportunities, agricultural assistance, infrastructure support, and essential government services in vulnerable and formerly conflict-affected communities.
Anchored on the theme, ‘Pagtutupong Dayan to Kayunong, Kayunong Dayan to Kaugsodan’ (Unity Towards Peace, Peace Towards Development), the gathering highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to sustain the province’s peace gains through responsive governance, improved service delivery, and community empowerment.
For residents of Barangay Diatagon, the dialogue provided an opportunity to raise long-standing concerns that continue to hinder development.
Wilson Acevedo of kilometer 22 and Cherry Pedrozo of kilometer 18, Sitio Han-ayan, cited poor road conditions as one of the community’s pressing challenges.
“Daut nga dalan, dili maagian og sakyanan (roads are destroyed and are not passable),” they said, describing the absence of roads to their IP communities. The poor road conditions hinder transportation and restrict access to markets, education, healthcare, and government services.
Residents also highlighted the need for sustainable livelihood programs, agricultural support, and improved access to basic services, which could help uplift their quality of life and strengthen economic opportunities in their communities.
Representatives from PRLEC member agencies, local government units, and development partners listened to the concerns and committed to coordinate appropriate interventions responsive to the needs raised during the dialogue.
Assistant Secretary Layug emphasized that lasting peace is achieved not only through security efforts but also through development programs that improve the lives of communities and provide opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
The activity underscored the government’s recognition that peace and development are mutually reinforcing. With Surigao del Sur now under SIPS status, the focus is increasingly shifting toward sustaining peace through inclusive development, stronger institutions, and improved access to government services.
Attending the forum were Surigao del Sur Acting Governor Manuel O. Alameda Sr., Agusan del Norte Governor Angel Amante-Matba, Lianga Mayor Amado Layno, representatives from the national government agencies, members of the PRLEC, peace advocates of Caraga region, and the local constituents of the remote IP communities.
The activity was organized by the United Caraganon for Peace and Development Federation Inc. (UCPDF Inc.), led by peace advocate Aljun Intano, in partnership with the SurPeace United Farmers Association (SPUFA). Both organizations continue to champion initiatives that strengthen community participation, foster peacebuilding, and support sustainable development in former conflict-affected communities.
Motivated by the peace and development agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Surigao del Sur moves forward from conflict toward stability and development and activities such as the Kahimunan demonstrate how government convergence can help ensure that the benefits of peace reach even the most remote communities. Through continued collaboration among government agencies, local leaders, and residents, the province aims to transform peace gains into lasting opportunities for growth, resilience, and inclusive development under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
The activity served as a platform for residents to directly engage with government officials and partner agencies, ensuring that local concerns and development priorities are integrated into government programs and interventions. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
